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Cell Phone Service for a year in France

My daughter had been given an opportunity to teach in France for the better part of the coming year. We have already arranged land-line options and are looking into how best to provide her with a cell phone. Based on discussions with two USA providers, it is clear that using them is not an option for such an extended stay. I'm wondering if anyone can offer any insight or any suggestions re "local" providers in France. Thank you

I know that the bulk of my customers who visit foreign countries usually opt to use pay as you go phones during their stay(or at least that's my recommendation). You might want to compare different post paid vs prepaid options.

alot of europe in general does pre paid services. I was in Spain for 6 months and did a prepaid phone. You are never charged for incoming calls just calls you make. Orange is the big French provider...

The wireless sales model outside North America is very different than what is used here. Handsets are sold at full price over there simply because the incentive with an unlocked handset is for the various wireless carriers' products and services than the actual device.

Vodafone is NOT sold in France. I work for Vodafone in the UK. Yes they are the largest carrier. However in france the network that have ties to is SFR. However the network does not have near as much coverage as Orange.

Saint.Patrick said:The wireless sales model outside North America is very different than what is used here. Handsets are sold at full price over there simply because the incentive with an unlocked handset is for the various wireless carriers' products and services than the actual device.

Agine NO NO NO. Yes some are sold at full retail price. However Pay As you Go phones are sold really cheap. Maybe 20-30 Euros depending on the phone.